Gone Too Soon: “They Should Still Be Here!”

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A year or so ago, while driving Roxie, my little reddish-blonde Pomeranian to the groomer’s, I passed what was once the home and property of my Dad and Stepmother, who are now both deceased. At the age of only 53, my father passed away from complications of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in the summer of 2005. My stepmother passed away eight years later of complications from Lupus. She was only 63.

Each time I pass that beautiful two-story home and spread of property spotted with gorgeous flower beds and bushes and covered with fresh green grass, I cannot help but gaze at it, remembering how overgrown the place was when they bought it. During the fifteen years my dad and stepmom lived there, they transformed the place from the eyesore it had once been to the gorgeous stretch of property it is today.

Those flower beds and bushes, still present today, are the footprint they left behind.

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Even now, years after their deaths, the blood, sweat, and tears they both poured into the place is still evident! And I find myself thinking, “My Goodness! They should still be here!”

I go on thinking, “I should be able to pull into the driveway even today and see my father sitting on that wrap-around porch, taking a draw off a cigarette and looking over the property. He should be beaming with pride at the results of years of hard, often hot work. I should be able to see my stepmother crouched in one of the flower beds, pulling weeds with gloved hands.”.

I often ask myself if these thoughts are sinful…if thinking this way is, in fact, the same as saying that maybe God was wrong in taking them at such an early age. So I think this with caution.

Then I remind myself…or maybe it is God reminding me that I am only human and it is only my mere mortal and human mind which cries out, “They should still be here!”. And that God’s ways are beyond all comprehension…beyond our human understanding.

The reality is that, in the grand scheme of things, God’s plan is that some will not grow to a ripe old age like others. But that’s okay because although I miss them terribly, I can take comfort in knowing that my dad and stepmother are in a much better place than any of us left here on Earth.

Nevertheless, each time I drive past that old house and stretch of property, my heart can’t help but cry out, “They should still be here!”.

0 thoughts on “Gone Too Soon: “They Should Still Be Here!”

  1. Deborah Agustin says:

    Beautiful field of flowers.

    We do have some questions about things in life that we could barely understand. God knows our thoughts, our hearts. I believe He honors and understands our questions.

    Blessings. <3

  2. Kym Gordon Moore says:

    Oh my gosh Cherie, you have tugged at my heartstrings this morning. 😔 I share your beautifully defined ruminations because I still think about my parents who I wish was still here (2003 and 2013). 😥 Yes girlfriend, it is not a sin to think about it and ponder life and ask the “why’s”, even though as you noted that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. 🤔

    Your father and stepmother left something more valuable than that house or land, they left a message and a lesson telling you how to appreciate life and leave it a little better than you found it. So girlfriend, embrace those memories, cry if you need to (I still do). Build on those cherished memories because one day your children, friends, and family will be saying the same thing as you have…Cherie made a difference, although she lived to be 120 years old, she’s gone too soon! 💝 🙏🏽 💐 😘

    • cheriewhite says:

      Awww! Thank you so much, Kym! I doubt I’ll live to be that age (too many health issues). But I’ll dang sure try! 😁😁😁 And yes, I smile every time I think of them and I’m so grateful for the memories we made together while they were here. Like you, I still cry because I miss them. But all in all. We have some.of the best memories. I’m sorry for the loss of your parents too, hon. Sending lots of prayers and loving thoughts your way! ❤💐🤗🙏

      • Kym Gordon Moore says:

        You’re a sweetheart Cherie. 💖 You are still persevering sweetie, in spite of however many health concerns you may have. I love your spirit and the way you won’t allow setbacks to get you down. 💪 You’re a trooper girlfriend.

        Thanks a million for your thoughts and prayers. I humbly accept your best wishes. What does not kill us only makes us stronger! Hugs and smooches!!! 😍💐🥰✨😘

  3. 80smetalman says:

    It is sad they were so young. My mother was 76 when she died and people said that was rather young so, I share your pain. I bet they are looking down and are deeply pleased with how you turned out.

    • cheriewhite says:

      Thank you so much. And I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. My mother is still here but I know when her time comes, it’s going to be so hard and I’m going to feel lost. God bless you, Michael.

    • cheriewhite says:

      I can only imagine, Dwain. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m grateful that my mom is still here, but I know that when her time comes, I’m going to feel so lost. She’s 66 now and I tell her how much I love her as every time I see or talk to her. I make sure she knows how much she is loved and appreciated.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Bless you, Cherie. But look at the legacy and impact they left behind!! There is a time to mourn indeed – it is quite natural and not at all bad to wish they were still here. I do understand. My dad was 49 and my mum 64 when their lives came to an end. One day we will join them and our time here will truly seem like a brief flash – I hope we leave a lasting legacy towards building His Kingdom.

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